Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Confirm They're Spending Christmas 2019 In Canada

Archie, the 7-month-old son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, won’t be spending his first Christmas with his royal family this year. Early in 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had announced that they will be taking a much-needed break from royal duties and will be going on a vacation. In lieu of their ongoing break, the Royal Palace has also released an official statement confirming their absence during the holidays.

The official statement was released by the royal palace on December 20, stating that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be spending the Christmas eve in Canada this year. “The decision to base themselves in Canada reflects the importance of this Commonwealth country to them both,” the spokesperson wrote.

“The Duke of Sussex has been a frequent visitor to Canada over many years, and it was also home to The Duchess for seven years before she became a member of the Royal Family. They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son.”

The vacation that Meghan and Harry are currently enjoying was planned by the couple to get some time away from the intense media scrutiny they have been subjected to since they got married. The couple had talked about the struggles of being a member of the royal family in a controversial documentary released recently. In accordance of their wishes of keeping their whereabouts a secret as well as for security reasons, the palace has already made it clear that no further details about Harry, Meghan, and baby Archie will be provided.

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month. Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, [the couple] will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria,” a palace spokesperson said. “This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”

And while the royal couple wouldn’t be spending Christmas with the Queen, baby Archie will get to celebrate the festival with his maternal grandmother Doria Ragland.